Content Creation Tools (on a budget) to get you started

Let me guess, you’re ready to create content but feel totally overwhelmed by all the fancy gear people seem to be using. Ring lights the size of Saturn, microphones that look like they belong in a recording studio, and tripods with more limbs than a spider…

Here’s the good news: you don’t need any of that to get started.

When I first began filming UGC and social media content, I was a busy mum with zero budget, filming in between nap times and dinner chaos. What I did have was a phone, a bit of creativity, and a few smart tools that made my content look way more polished than it had any right to.

So if you’re just starting out, or simply want to level up your content without spending a fortune — this one’s for you. These are my ride-or-die, beginner-friendly tools that helped me go from “content potato” to “actually getting views and brand deals.”

🎤 1. The Mic That Saves Your Audio (and Your Sanity)

Okay, real talk: if your audience can’t hear you clearly, they’re probably scrolling. No matter how good your lighting is, bad audio is an instant turn-off.

This little clip-on mic is a total life-saver. It plugs directly into your phone and picks up your voice so clearly, even if there’s background noise (looking at you, barking dogs and rowdy toddlers). I use it for everything — from talking head videos to voiceovers.

It’s small, lightweight, and you can literally clip it to your jumper and go.

👉 Get the mic here

📱 2. The Tripod That Stops the “Stacked Books” Life

Ah yes, the classic beginner tripod: a pile of cookbooks and a banana to stop your phone from falling. I lived that life for way too long.

This adjustable tripod is simple, sturdy, and does the job without fuss. It extends to the right height, angles how you need it, and even comes with a remote so you can start/stop filming without awkwardly lunging at your phone.

It makes transitions easier, lets you film hands-free, and — best bit — means no more wobbly, lopsided footage. Game changer.

👉 Grab the tripod here

💡 3. The LED Light That Makes You Look Alive (Even on No Sleep)

Let’s be honest: natural lighting is great until it disappears at 3pm and you still haven’t filmed.

This portable fill light is tiny but mighty. It clips onto your setup, has adjustable brightness, and makes your face look glowy, not ghostly. I film a lot at night or in the grey UK weather, and this light always saves the day (and my under-eye circles).

Bonus: it’s USB rechargeable, so no batteries needed. I keep mine charged and throw it in my bag when I’m filming on the go.

👉 Light it up here

🤳 4. The Gimbal That Makes You Look Like You Know What You’re Doing

Ever tried filming while walking and ended up with footage shakier than your morning coffee? SAME. This is where the gimbal comes in.

It stabilises your phone so you can film smooth, cinematic shots without wobble. You don’t even need to know the tech behind it — you just clip your phone in, hold it steady, and voilà — professional-looking content.

I use this for walk-and-talks, product shots, or even filming my surroundings when I’m out and about. It folds down small too, so it's perfect for throwing in your handbag.

👉 Snag the gimbal here

🪞 5. The Mirroring Device You Never Knew You Needed (But OMG You Do)

If you’ve ever filmed with your back camera (because it’s better quality) and ended up completely out of frame, welcome to the club.

This tiny mirroring gadget attaches to the back of your phone and reflects your screen so you can see yourself while filming. No more guessing if you're centred or in focus — you’ll actually know.

I can’t tell you how many videos I re-filmed before I got this. It’s one of those tools you’ll wonder how you lived without.

👉 Mirror magic here

🛒 Ready to Film Like a Pro (on a Budget)?

These are all tools I genuinely use, love, and still rely on — even now that I’ve worked with brands and have upgraded a few things. They’re the perfect starter kit if you want to create content that looks good, feels polished, and helps you show up confidently without spending a fortune.

Honestly, if you’re putting yourself out there — whether it’s for UGC, your small biz, or just for fun — you deserve to have tools that support you. You’ve got the creativity… these just help bring it to life.

Let’s Connect!

If this post helped you, come find me on socials, I’m always sharing tips, behind-the-scenes chaos, and how I create scroll-stopping content without fancy gear or a full-time videographer (because lol, same).

👉 Find me on Instagram @iamcristina.suarez
👉 Find me On TikTok @iamcristina.suarez